Essential Mac management tools

If you're trying to add Macs to a fleet of Windows machines, you'll want to check out these offerings

Managing a fleet of Macs in a predominately Windows-centric enterprise requires third-party tools that can deliver a variety of features, such as the ability to run Windows apps on Mac hardware, synch with Active Directory and Microsoft System Center, deliver software updates, and generally give IT the same degree of visibility and control over Macs that they’re accustomed to in the Windows world.

Parallels is a leader in the world of desktop virtualization, basically allowing Mac users to run Windows apps. Now, the company is offering a product that allows IT managers to scan their networks for Mac devices and manage those devices through a System Center plug-in.

MokaFive is a pioneer in client-side desktop virtualization. MokaFive creates desktop images that can be loaded onto Macs, PCs or bare metal. Features include the ability to run full Windows desktops on Mac hardware, to run Mac and Windows apps simultaneously, in addition to management features like mass deployment, zero-touch user provisioning and patch and image updates.

OPUS is a virtual appliance that provides "plug and play" integration for Mac computers with enterprise class IT infrastructure from VMware. It can be delivered as a service leveraging cloud infrastructure vendors like Amazon, or it can be hosted on-site.

Centrify DirectControl enables Active Directory-based authentication and access control for Macs. It lets IT managers secure and configure Macs through Windows Group Policy. And end users gain single sign-on to their Macs through their Active Directory account.

GroupLogic has several products, all focused on helping IT departments integrate Macs into Windows environments, with an emphasis on file transfer, file sharing and network-attached storage. Products include ActivEcho, ExtremeZ-IP, MassTransit and ArchiveConnect.